After Turner Sports was unable to reach an agreement with the NBA on a new media rights deal, there were plenty of questions from basketball fans regarding the future of "Inside of the NBA." It didn't take long for the program to find a new home.
The crew of Ernie Johnson, Charles Barkley, Shaquille O'Neal and Kenny Smith will relocate from TNT to ESPN platforms, starting with the 2025-26 NBA season.
"Inside the NBA," which has won 21 Emmy Awards, will serve as the pregame, halftime and postgame show for major matchups in the regular season and playoffs.
Here is everything you need to know about "Inside the NBA," including how to watch the show during the 2025-26 season.
Where to watch 'Inside the NBA' this season: TV channels, live streams
TV channels: ABC, ESPN
Live streams:ESPN app
"Inside the NBA" will air on ABC and ESPN for weeknight doubleheaders as well as marquee weekend games. Cord-cutters can stream the show on the ESPN app.
Now you can watch ESPN without cable. Stream live NBA, NFL, MLB, NHL and college sports, plus "SportsCenter," "First Take" and all your favorite ESPN shows — anytime, anywhere — only in the new ESPN app.
'Inside the NBA' schedule for 2025-26 season
ESPN has released the full "Inside the NBA" schedule for the 2025-26 regular season. The show will also air throughout the 2026 NBA Playoffs, including the Eastern Conference Finals and NBA Finals.
"Inside the NBA" will make its ESPN debut on Wednesday, Oct. 22.
Date TV/Live stream Games
Oct. 22 ESPN, ESPN app NBA on ESPN doubleheader
Oct. 23 ESPN, ESPN app NBA on ESPN doubleheader
Oct. 29 ESPN, ESPN app NBA on ESPN doubleheader
Nov. 12 ESPN, ESPN app NBA on ESPN doubleheader
Dec. 25 ABC, ESPN, ESPN app NBA on Christmas
Jan. 24 ABC, ESPN app NBA Saturday Primetime on ABC
Jan. 28 ESPN, ESPN app NBA on ESPN doubleheader
Jan. 31 ABC, ESPN app NBA Saturday Primetime on ABC
Feb. 7 ABC, ESPN app NBA Saturday Primetime on ABC
Feb. 20 ESPN, ESPN app NBA on ESPN doubleheader
Feb. 21 ABC, ESPN app NBA Saturday Primetime on ABC
Feb. 22 ABC, ESPN app NBA Sunday Showcase
Feb. 27 ESPN, ESPN app NBA on ESPN doubleheader
Feb. 28 ABC, ESPN app NBA Saturday Primetime on ABC
March 1 ABC, ESPN app NBA Sunday Showcase
March 6 ESPN, ESPN app NBA on ESPN doubleheader
March 7 ABC, ESPN app NBA Saturday Primetime on ABC
March 8 ABC, ESPN app NBA Sunday Showcase
March 14 ABC, ESPN app NBA Saturday Primetime on ABC
April 12 ESPN, ESPN app NBA on ESPN doubleheader
What time will 'Inside the NBA' start?
"Inside the NBA" will start one hour before a game tips off on ESPN, and the postgame show will begin immediately after the conclusion of the game. "Inside the NBA" will start 30 minutes before a game tips off on ABC, and the postgame show will begin immediately after the conclusion of the game before transitioning to the ESPN app.
Will ESPN change 'Inside the NBA'?
ESPN has made it clear that it does not want to mess with a winning formula.
While the Disney-owned company will present "Inside the NBA," TNT Sports will still independently produce the show from its studios in Atlanta. Johnson will remain the host, and Barkley, O'Neal and Smith will continue to provide analysis (and foolishness, of course).
"'Inside the NBA' is universally recognized as one of the best and most culturally impactful shows in sports," ESPN chairman Jimmy Pitaro said of the partnership. "We have long-admired the immensely talented team and are thrilled to add their chemistry and knowledge to our robust set of NBA studio offerings to super-serve NBA fans like never before."
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